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If it is correct, would I also be able to write the same sentence (expressing the same meaning) in the following manner? I am specifically wondering about expressing desire of a third party subject using したい as opposed to したがっています. (also, is the translation's use of "says" problematic?)

2 Answers
2

～したがる means that the subject expresses the desire to do the mentioned action. (The means of expression does not have to be explicit; for example, if it is apparent that your sister wants to study abroad from her behavior, you can say 姉は海外留学したがっている even if she does not say so explicitly.)

If you say

姉は海外留学したいそうです。 I heard that my sister wants to study abroad.

it means that you heard (probably from your sister herself) that your sister wants to study abroad.

If you say

姉は海外留学したがっているそうです。 I heard that my sister expressed her desire to study abroad.

it cannot be your sister from whom you heard it, because if so, it should be 姉は海外留学したいそうです instead of 姉は海外留学したがっているそうです.

thank you that is what I wanted to know. Would it be grammatically incorrect to say "姉は海外留学したいです。" (without the そう) ?
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yadokariAug 27 '12 at 21:42

@yadokari: It is incorrect, and I am sure that there are several questions on this website which discuss why. (I am not sure if it is “grammatically incorrect” or “something-else-cally incorrect,” though. :))
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Tsuyoshi ItoAug 27 '12 at 21:43

@TsuyoshiIto, would you say that's also the case for 留学したい「ん」です? Although I agree that the rule generally applies, I can think of situations (e.g. the third person is 身内 and you want to make a strong statement) where 姉は海外留学したいんです doesn't sound that unnatural to me.
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dainichiAug 28 '12 at 1:17